Austin Harrison, a junior at Cordova High School, takes dual enrollment classes through Walker County Center of Technology and maintains a 3.7 GPA in his core curriculum studies. Over the summer, while many students were taking a break from school, Harrison pursued additional training and enrolled in full time welding courses at Bevill State Community College.

Austin Harrison, a Junior at Cordova High School in Walker County, was selected as the Future Skilled Workers of America (FSWA) Student of the Month for October 2015.

“Austin has worked extraordinarily hard to position himself to take full advantage of the lucrative job opportunities that will be available to him once he graduates high school,” said Walker County Cert of Technology career counselor Kelli Adkins. “His passion and drive will allow him to continue to excel in his training, and the dedication he shows to his craft indicate to me that he is going to be in high demand once he enters the workforce.”

The F.S.W.A. Student of the Month Award honors one high school junior or senior from throughout the state each month during the school year. It was created to recognize and encourage students who pursue careers in the construction industry. Each student selected for the award becomes eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship to a training facility in Alabama, if he or she chooses to continue their education in the state. The scholarship is made possible thanks to proceeds from the Big Dog Poker Run, an annual spring motorcycle benefit ride organized by CraneWorks and Garrison Steel.

Teachers, principals and other school personnel are encouraged to nominate students for the Go Build Alabama Future Skilled Workers of America Award. To be eligible, students must be high school juniors or seniors with a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in construction. They must also be enrolled in, or have been enrolled in, technical courses related to the skilled trades, or have plans to continue their education in the construction industry after graduating high school. Click here to download a nomination form.

About Go Build Alabama

ACRI launched the Go Build campaign in August of 2010 in effort to prepare for the anticipated shortage as older tradesmen leave the workforce. One third of all skilled tradesmen in the construction industry are over the age of 50. With their retirement on the horizon, training programs are not producing enough young workers to replace those exiting the industry. The Go Build Alabama campaign aims to recruit the next generation of skilled construction trade workers. Visit www.GoBuildAlabama.com for more information.